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Abstract:

A lighting device including an elongate illuminated portion having
translucent side walls spaced about a long axis of the illuminated
portion. The device further includes a light source configured to direct
light along a length of the illuminated portion and out the translucent
side walls. An actuator extends in a biased position oppositely from the
light source in a deactivated position. A circuit is electrically coupled
between the actuator and light source for activating the light to a first
lighting function for so long as the actuator is moved to a compressed
position, detecting the actuator being moved back to its biased position,
and activating the light to a second lighting function for so long as the
actuator is moved back to the compressed position.

Claims:

1. A lighting device comprising: a module having a light source at one
end of the module and a power source; an actuator biased in an extended
position on a surface of the module; an elongate glow stick housing
comprising an end cap and an illuminated portion coupled together to form
a cavity, the module received within the cavity so that the light source
is directed along an axis of the illuminated portion; and the end cap and
illuminated portion being moveable relative to one another so as to
change an axial length of the cavity, a surface of the illuminated
portion configured to be moveable against the module so as selectively
compress the actuator to a compressed position, wherein the light source
is activated when the actuator is in one of the extended position or
compressed position, and the light source is deactivated when the
actuator is in the other of the extended position or compressed position.

2. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the module includes a circuit
operative to alternate between a first lighting function and a second
lighting function as the light source is activated and then deactivated,
and then activated again.

3. The lighting device of claim 2, wherein the first lighting function is
activation of the light source to yield a constant light source and the
second lighting function is activation of the light source to yield a
flashing light source.

4. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the end cap and illuminated
portion are threadedly coupled together so that rotating the end cap in
one direction about the illuminated portion causes the cavity in which
the module is received to have a decreasing axial length and rotating the
end cap in another direction about the illuminated portion causes the
cavity to have an increasing axial length.

5. The lighting device of claim 4, wherein the actuator is coupled to and
extends from an opposite end of the module from the light source so as to
contact an inner wall of the end cap, wherein rotating the end cap in the
one direction about the illuminated portion causes the inner wall of the
end cap to drive and maintain the actuator to the compressed position.

6. The lighting device of claim 5, wherein rotating the end cap in the
other direction allows the actuator to extend to its extended position
within the cavity.

7. The lighting device of claim 6, wherein the light source is activated
so long as the actuator is in the compressed position and the light
source is deactivated so long as the actuator is in the extended
position.

8. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes one end
flexibly coupled to a terminal of the power source, another end spaced
from electrical contact with the light source, and a bent portion located
between the one end and other end, the bent portion extending from an end
of the module opposite the light source and configured to contact and
bias against an inner wall of the cavity so that movement of the inner
wall toward the module causes the other end to move into electrical
contact with the light source.

9. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a button
extending from an end of the module opposite the light source in a
direction parallel to the axis of the illuminated portion and configured
to contact and bias against an inner wall of the cavity so that movement
of the inner wall toward the module causes the button to be compressed to
the compressed position and thereby activate the light source.

10. A lighting device comprising: an elongate illuminated portion having
translucent side walls spaced about a long axis of the illuminated
portion; a light source configured to direct light along a length of the
illuminated portion and out the translucent side walls; an actuator
extending in a biased, deactivated position oppositely from the light
source; and a circuit electrically coupled between the actuator and light
source for activating the light to a first lighting function for so long
as the actuator is moved to a compressed position, detecting the actuator
being moved back to its biased position, and activating the light to a
second lighting function for so long as the actuator is moved back to the
compressed position.

11. The lighting device of claim 10, further including an end cap coupled
to the elongate illuminated portion to create a cavity enclosing the
light source and actuator, the end cap and illuminated portion being
moveable relative to one another along the long axis of the illuminated
portion so that a lineal dimension of the cavity can be reduced to
thereby cause an inner wall of the cavity to bear against the actuator
and move it to the compressed position.

12. The lighting device of claim 11, wherein the end cap and illuminated
portion are threadedly coupled together so that rotating the end cap in
one direction relative to the illuminated portion causes the cavity in
which the module is received to have a decreasing axial length and
rotating the end cap in another direction relative to the illuminated
portion causes the cavity to have an increasing axial length.

13. The lighting device of claim 12, the actuator being disposed relative
to the inner wall of the cavity such that rotation of the end cap
relative to the illuminated portion by less than 90 degrees causes the
actuator to move to the compressed position.

14. The lighting device of claim 10, wherein the first lighting function
is activation of the light source to yield a constant light source and
the second lighting function is activation of the light source to yield a
flashing light source.

15. A method for operating an electronic glowstick having an elongate
illuminated portion coupled along an axial length of the electronic
glowstick to an end cap, the method comprising: installing an integrated
module within a cavity formed by the illuminated portion and end cap, the
integrated module having a light source at one end directing light along
the illuminated portion and an actuator at the other end of the
integrated module with a power source located between the light source
and actuator; biasing the actuator in an extended, deactivated position;
forcing the actuator against a wall of the cavity to a compressed
position and maintaining the actuator in the compressed position;
responsive to the actuator being forced to the compressed position,
activating the light source in a first lighting function for so long as
the actuator is in the compressed position; allowing the actuator to
extend to the extended, deactivated position and deactivating the light
source.

16. The method of claim 15, further including: after allowing the
actuator to extend to the extended, deactivated position, forcing the
actuator against the wall of the cavity to a compressed position and
maintaining the actuator in the compressed position a second time; and
responsive to the actuator being forced to the compressed position a
second time, activating the light source in a second lighting function
for so long as the actuator is in the compressed position.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first lighting function is a
constant illumination and the second lighting function is a periodic
flashing illumination.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of forcing the actuator
against the wall of the cavity includes threadedly coupling the
illuminated portion and end cap together and decreasing an axial length
of the cavity by rotating the end cap in a first direction relative to
the illuminated portion.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of allowing the actuator to
extend to the extended, deactivated position includes rotating the end
cap in a second direction relative to the illuminated portion to thereby
increase the axial length of the cavity.

20. A lighting device comprising: a module having a light source at one
end of the module and a power source; an actuator positioned on a surface
of the module opposite the light source for activating the light source;
an elongate glow stick housing comprising an end cap and an illuminated
portion coupled together, the module received within the end cap so that
the light source is directed along a long axis of the illuminated
portion; and the illuminated portion having translucent side walls spaced
about the long axis of the illuminated portion, the side walls proximal
to the end cap having a first diameter and the side walls distal to the
end cap having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is less
than the first diameter so that the side walls move inwardly toward the
long axis of the illuminated portion as they extend from the end cap.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to lighting sources and more
particularly to a light source with flasher and glow stick function.

[0002] Portable lighting is typically designed with the task in mind.
Accordingly, flashlights are designed to focus a beam of light for
peering into dark corners or cast light longer distances whereas lanterns
are designed to cast light short distances but in all directions. One
such general lighting source is the chemical-based glow stick. The glow
stick embeds two or more chemicals within a hollow plastic tube that,
when combined, fluoresce for a brief period of time along the length of
the tube. To use the glow stick, the tube is bent so that a capsule
containing one of the chemicals is broken. The tube is shaken to mix the
two chemicals and start the fluorescence process. Light from this process
is radiated out the sidewalls of the tube in all directions.

[0003] One disadvantage of chemical-based glow sticks is that they are
unable to selectively turn off once activated other than the slow decay
of light output over time once the chemical reaction causing fluorescence
decreases and stops. Furthermore, such chemical-based devices are unable
to flash in an off-on-off-on state, and thus may not confer as much
safety advantage as a flashing light.

[0004] There is thus a desire to provide a glow stick-like device with the
ability to glow and/or flash along a length of the lighting source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In various representative aspects, the present invention describes
an elongated lighting device.

[0006] A lighting device, constructed according to the invention,
comprises a module having a light source at one end of the module and a
power source and an actuator biased in an extended position on a surface
of the module. The lighting device further includes an elongate glow
stick housing comprising an end cap and an illuminated portion coupled
together to form a cavity. The module is received within the cavity so
that the light source is directed along an axis of the illuminated
portion. Further, the end cap and illuminated portion are configured to
be moveable relative to one another so as to change an axial length of
the cavity, and a surface of the illuminated portion is configured to be
moveable against the module so as selectively compress the actuator to a
compressed position. In this configuration, the light source is activated
when the actuator is in one of the extended position or compressed
position, and the light source is deactivated when the actuator is in the
other of the extended position or compressed position.

[0007] In another implementation of the invention, the lighting device
comprises an elongate illuminated portion having translucent side walls
spaced about a long axis of the illuminated portion. A light source is
configured to direct light along a length of the illuminated portion and
out the translucent side walls. An actuator extends in a biased position
oppositely from the light source in a deactivated position. Further, a
circuit is electrically coupled between the actuator and light source for
activating the light to a first lighting function for so long as the
actuator is moved to a compressed position, detecting the actuator being
moved back to its biased position, and activating the light to a second
lighting function for so long as the actuator is moved back to the
compressed position.

[0008] In yet another implementation of the invention, the lighting device
comprises a module having a light source at one end of the module and a
power source. An actuator is positioned on a surface of the module
opposite the light source for activating the light source. The lighting
device further includes an elongate glow stick housing comprising an end
cap and an illuminated portion coupled together, the module received
within the end cap so that the light source is directed along a long axis
of the illuminated portion. The illuminated portion has translucent side
walls spaced about the long axis of the illuminated portion, where the
side walls taper to a distal end of the illuminated portion so that side
walls proximal to the end cap have a first diameter and the side walls
distal to the end cap having a second diameter, wherein the second
diameter is less than the first diameter so that the side walls move
inwardly toward the long axis of the illuminated portion as they extend
from the end cap.

[0009] The invention also includes a method for configuring an electronic
glowstick lighting device having an elongate illuminated portion coupled
along an axial length of the electronic glowstick to an end cap. The
method comprises installing an integrated module within a cavity formed
by the illuminated portion and end cap, where the integrated module has a
light source at one end directing light along the illuminated portion and
an actuator at the other end of the integrated module with a power source
located between the light source and actuator. The actuator is in an
extended, deactivated position, and is adapted to be forced during
operation of the lighting device against a wall of the cavity to a
compressed position and maintained in the compressed position. Movement
of the actuator to the compressed position is detected and, responsive to
this detection, the light source of the lighting device is activated in a
first lighting function for so long as the actuator is in the compressed
position. Movement of the actuator to an extended position is then
detected and, responsive to this detection, the light source is
deactivated.

[0010] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed
description of a preferred embodiment of the invention that proceeds with
reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a lighting device
constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the lighting device of FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 3A is a section side-elevation view taken along line 3-3 in
FIG. 1 illustrating the lighting device in a deactivated position.

[0014] FIG. 3B is a section side-elevation view taken along line 3-3 in
FIG. 1 illustrating the lighting device in an activated position.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a section end-elevation view taken along line 4-4 in FIG.
1. FIG. 5 is a flow-chart illustrating the function of the lighting
module upon successive activations and deactivations of the actuator.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lighting module of the invention
configured according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIGS. 7A and 7B are section side-elevation views illustrating the
lighting module in deactivated and activated modes, respectively, when
installed within the lighting device of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a lighting device 10 implemented according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention. Device 10 includes an elongate
glowstick housing 12, having an end cap 14 coupled to an illuminated
portion 16.

[0020] In the embodiment shown, lighting device 10 has a generally tubular
shape extended along a long axis 18 of the device. Illuminated portion 16
includes annular and translucent side walls 20 spaced about the long axis
18 that taper toward a distal end 22. In this fashion, side walls 20
proximal end cap 14 have a first diameter while side walls distal to the
end cap have a second diameter, less than the first diameter, so that the
side walls move inwardly toward long axis 18 as they extend from the end
cap.

[0021] End cap 14, like illuminated portion 16, includes annular side
walls terminating at one end at an outer wall 24, disposed generally
perpendicular to the long axis of the device 10, so as to form a hollow
cylinder. As will be appreciated from the discussion below, the end cap
and illuminated portion are coupled together so as to form a cavity to
hold and maintain electronics for operating the lighting device. The end
cap can further include multiple decorative annular ribs 26 formed on its
side walls, a pierced flange 28, and a lanyard or wrist-strap 30 attached
to the flange 28.

[0022]FIG. 2 shows in perspective a lighting module 32 exploded from the
end cap 14 and a proximal portion of the illuminated portion 16. Module
32 includes a light source, characterized by LED 34, at one end of the
module, a power source, characterized by a set 36 of three 1.5 volt
batteries, and an actuator 38 for electrically coupling the power source
to the light source and thereby activating the light source. Module 32
further includes a circuit 40--such as the circuit shown in FIG. 8--that
is operative in a preferred embodiment to alternate between a first
lighting function and a second lighting function as the light source is
activated, then deactivated, and then activated again. In one example,
the first lighting function is activation of LED 34 to yield a constant
light source, while the second lighting function is activation of LED 34
to yield a flashing light source.

[0023] Illuminated portion 16 includes annular threads 42 formed
exteriorly on side walls 20 adjacent a proximal end 44 of the illuminated
portion 16. Complementary threads 46 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) are formed
interiorly of side surfaces of the end cap 14 and mate with threads 42 so
that illuminated portion 16 and end cap 14 may be threadedly coupled
together to form a cavity 48 therewithin. Module 32 is adapted to be
received within cavity 48 so that the light source 34 is directed along
the long axis 18 of the illuminated portion 16 and, by internal
reflection and diffusion, out the translucent side walls 20 so that the
lighting device effects an elongated glowing tube for safety and/or
general lighting purposes. An o-ring 50 is placed distally of the threads
42 on illuminated portion 16 and serves to seal the cavity 48 from water.

[0024] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate side-elevation views of the module 32 in
section showing the actuator 38 in a deactivated/extended position (FIG.
3A) and in an activated/compressed position (FIG. 3B). When module 32 is
installed within cavity 48, the one end 76 (extending slightly more than
other side surfaces) of module 32 adjacent the light source 34 is
configured to contact a facing surface 54 of the illuminated portion 16
proximal end 44. At the same time, actuator 38--coupled to and extending
from an opposite end of the module 32 from light source 34--contacts an
inner wall 52 of the end cap 14.

[0025] The end cap 14 and illuminated portion 16 are configured to be
moveable relative to one another so as to change an axial length of the
cavity 48. When threaded together as shown, rotating the end cap 14 in
one direction about the illuminated portion 16 causes the cavity 48 in
which module 32 is received to have a decreasing axial length as shown in
FIG. 3B. Conversely, rotating end cap 14 in the other direction about
illuminated portion 16 causes the cavity to have an increasing axial
length as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0026] In the embodiment shown, facing surface 54 drives against the body
of module 32 and forces actuator 38 to compress against inner wall 52.
Actuator 38 may be maintained in this compressed position (FIG. 3B) so
long as the end cap is threaded, but may be released to its resting
position (FIG. 3A) by counter-rotating the end cap 14 relative to the
illuminated portion 16. Preferably, the light source 34 is activated to a
lighting function so long as the actuator is in the compressed position,
and the light source is deactivated so long as the actuator is in the
extended position. Generally, however, the light source 34 is activated
when actuator 38 is in one of the extended position or compressed
position, and the light source is deactivated when the actuator is in the
other of the extended position or compressed position.

[0027] Electrical completion of the lighting circuit is done by operation
of the actuator 38. Batteries 36 are coupled in series between two
terminals 56 and 58. Actuator 38 is in constant electrical contact with
terminal 56 via metal plate 60 that bridges across the module 32.

[0028] In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, actuator 38 takes
the form of a bent flat wire that is flexibly coupled at one end to a
terminal of the power source 36. As shown, the actuator 38 is directly
connected to metal plate 60 via a metal fold 62 that directs and
mechanically biases the actuator away from the surface of the module 32.
A second fold or bent portion 64 bends the actuator wire 38 back toward
the module surface and terminates in a contact portion 66. Metal folds 62
and 64 give the actuator 38 a spring-like action with a resting position
so that contact portion 66 is spaced from electrical contact with
terminal 58 as shown in FIG. 3A. As the end cap 14 and illuminated
portion 16 are screwed together, however, bent portion 64 of actuator 38
bears against inner wall 52. The compressive force of the inner wall
against the actuator 32 overcomes the bias force of the actuator spring
to thereby force actuator 38 inward toward the module until the contact
portion 66 makes electrical contact with terminal 58 and completes the
circuit, thereby lighting LED 34.

[0029] The spacing of the contact portion 66 from terminal 58 is
preferably linked to the pitch of the threads of threaded portions 42 and
46 so that rotation of the end cap 14 relative to the illuminated portion
16 by less than 90 degrees causes the actuator 38 to move to the
compressed position and complete the circuit.

[0030] Operation of the actuator completely within cavity 48, and with no
external button, has the advantage of simplifying manufacture of the
shell of the lighting device as well as protect the module and related
electrical components from water intrusion. Further, the lighting device
10 is less likely to be inadvertently activated or deactivated since it
is less likely that the end cap would be turned as opposed to an external
button accidentally pressed.

[0031] Operation of the lighting device 10 according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 5. With actuator 38 in
an extended, deactivated position, no electrical connection is made
between terminals 56 and 58 and therefore no energy is available to drive
circuit 40 and LED 34. The lighting device 10 is therefore in an `off`
position as shown in block 68. As end cap 14 and illuminated portion 16
are twisted together via coupling threads 42, 46, the actuator 38 is
forced against an inner wall 52 of the cavity 48 to a compressed position
(e.g. FIG. 3B) to complete the circuit and maintain the closed circuit
while in the actuator is in this compressed position. Movement of the
actuator to the compressed position is detected, as by current flowing to
circuit 40, and, responsive to this detection, the light source 34 of the
lighting device 10 is activated in a first lighting function for so long
as the actuator is in the compressed position. In this example, the first
function is a constant light function such that current is supplied to,
and LED is illuminated, for so long as actuator 38 contacts terminal 58
and completes the circuit as illustrated in block 70. After illuminating
to a first (e.g. constant `on`) lighting function, the lighting device
may be deactivated by counter-twisting the end cap 14 and illuminated
portion relative to one another so that they move apart from one another.
Compressive force is thus released from module 32 such that actuator is
allowed to move to its extended position (e.g. FIG. 3A) within cavity 48.
In this extended position, the contact portion 66 of actuator 38 is
spaced from electrical contact with terminal 58. With the electrical
connection broken, the light source is deactivated as in block 72. This
deactivation is detected as by logic circuit ICs within circuit 40.

[0032] Once the end cap 14 and illuminated portion 16 are twisted together
a second time, circuit 40 drives the light source 34 to a second function
in block 74 as by periodically supplying and then not supplying current
to LED 34 to effect a flashing effect. If again the circuit is
deactivated, and then reactivated, the function reverts to the first
lighting function--e.g. constant `on`. The cycle then continues.

[0033] FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B illustrate an alternate embodiment of an
actuator 138 shown in button form on module 132. Actuator 138 is of a
push-switch type such that the circuit is completed for only so long as
the button is compressed (or, alternatively, decompressed). That is,
actuator 138 includes a button extending from an end of the module
opposite the light source 34 and in a direction parallel to the axis 18
of the illuminated portion 16. The actuator button 138 is configured to
contact and bias against an inner wall 52 of the cavity 48 so that
movement of the inner wall toward the module causes the button to be
compressed to a compressed position and thereby activate the light
source. Like components are identically labeled as in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0034] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate side-elevation views of module 132 in
section showing the actuator 138 in a deactivated/extended position (FIG.
3A) and in an activated/compressed position (FIG. 7B). When module 132 is
installed within cavity 48, the one end 76 of module 132 adjacent the
light source 34 is configured to contact a facing surface 54 of the
illuminated portion 16 proximal end 44. At the same time, actuator
138--coupled to and extending from an opposite end of the module 132 from
light source 34--contacts an inner wall 52 of the end cap 14.

[0035] The end cap 14 and illuminated portion 16 are configured to be
moveable relative to one another so as to change an axial length of the
cavity 48. When threaded together as shown, rotating the end cap 14 in
one direction about the illuminated portion 16 causes the cavity 48 in
which module 132 is received to have a decreasing axial length as shown
in FIG. 7B. Conversely, rotating end cap 14 in the other direction about
illuminated portion 16 causes the cavity to have an increasing axial
length as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, facing surface 54 drives against the body
of module 132 and forces actuator button 138 to compress against inner
wall 52. Button 138 may be maintained in this compressed position (FIG.
7B) so long as the end cap is threaded, but may be released to its
resting position (FIG. 7A) by counter-rotating the end cap 14 relative to
the illuminated portion 16. Preferably, the light source 34 is activated
to a lighting function so long as the actuator is in the compressed
position, and the light source is deactivated so long as the actuator is
in the extended position. Generally, however, the light source 34 is
activated when actuator 138 is in one of the extended position or
compressed position, and the light source is deactivated when the
actuator is in the other of the extended position or compressed position.

[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates an examplary circuit 40 implemented according to
a preferred embodiment of the invention. Circuit 40 is electrically
coupled between actuator 38 and light source 34 for activating the light
to a first (e.g. constant `on`) lighting function for so long as the
actuator 38 is in a compressed position to effect circuit contact, then
detecting the actuator being moved back to a position with no completion
of the circuit, and then activating the light to a second (e.g. flashing)
lighting function when and for so long as the actuator is moved back to
the compressed position.

[0038] An examplary circuit 40 includes an integrated circuit 100
programmed and/or hard wired to effect the functions herein described.
Circuit 40 can include two RC pairs--e.g. capacitor C1 and resistor R1,
and capacitor C2 and resistor R2--for effecting timing for a flashing
effect of light source 34 under control of IC 100 in a second lighting
function. Circuit 40 can further include a polarity protection means,
such as diode D, for protecting the IC 100 in case of reverse bias when
the batteries 36 are placed backwards within module 32. Circuit 100 is
operative to detect each completion of the electrical circuit and each
deactivation so that the circuit 100 can switch between the first
lighting function and the second lighting function with successive
operations.

[0039] Having described and illustrated the principles of the invention in
a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be apparent that the invention
can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such
principles. We claim all modifications and variation coming within the
spirit and scope of the invention.